The personal alarm should work at all times
Let me show you what I do. I install home health-care innovations, such as personal alarms, for vulnerable people. There's more to this job than you might think. Continue reading to find out more about my personal experience with this job.
I install personal alarms for a range of clients: from elderly people who live at home alone or with a partner to people with a disability who need regular care, people who are bedridden, people with a terminal illness, and people with epilepsy or another disease that may get them into critical situations.
I also meet regular people who want to prepare for any eventuality, particularly if they live far away from family, friends, and acquaintances.
Warning in case of emergency
"These people want a personal alarm that works"These people want a personal alarm that works, so they can warn people in an emergency. I therefore do my homework before I leave.
The evening before an installation I go through everything and jot down what I need. In the morning, I pick up the device and anything else I might need from the warehouse and check to make sure I have everything. For instance, loose wires, plugs, auxiliary pieces for the transmitters, screws, manuals, and log stickers. I always take extra material with me, such as extra devices, transmitters, batteries, etc.
As soon as I know I got everything, I leave with peace of mind to the first patient.
Checking to make sure everything works
An installation consists of several steps. When I arrive, I take everything out of my car, ring the bell, introduce myself to the client and explain what I plan to do. Then I install the technology.
Next, I explain how the personal alarm works when something goes wrong. I then test the connection and make sure all of the contact information is correct. I also have the client press the red button and talk to the alarm operator. Once everything is up and running, I check to make sure the phones work.
"Clients are always happy once the personal alarm is installed" The last step is to answer the client's questions and make sure things are clear. Clients are always happy once the personal alarm is installed because it makes them feel safe.
Solving problems can save lives
But my work isn't done yet. In addition to installing devices, I also work for the incidence response service. It's important that problems are resolved quickly, particularly for people who rely on a personal alarm because they are bedridden, require oxygen, or have heart problems. Notifying health-care professionals can save lives.
A woman once called me because she was worried about her mother. She told me her personal alarm wasn't working. She had tested the system but couldn't figure out what was going on. Her mother was very sick, bedridden, and needed oxygen. A working alarm was very important.
Fortunately, I was able to resolve the problem fairly quickly. The daughter and her mother were reassured, which made me feel better as well. Situations like these tend to stick with you.
When the personal alarm doesn't work
What really concerns me is finding out that several alarms are out of service due to a problem with the phone network. The only thing you can do in this case is hope the telecom provider fixes the issue as soon as possible.
Something else that frustrates me is when I find out a client's phone connection was down due to maintenance on the line. This often happens in the evening or at night. It's just as bad when a personal alarm continuously sends out a signal that something's wrong.
"It's great to see this technology being continuously developed!"Can situations like these be avoided? Not if a personal alarm is dependent on a fixed phone or internet connection. Fortunately, a new type of personal alarm can be installed that does not require a fixed line and will continue to work despite connectivity problems. It's great to see this technology being continuously developed!
Safety and reassurance
The best part about installing a personal alarm is that it takes away some of the anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability. Happy faces after an installation and the oft-heard statement: 'I hope I won't need it' always prompt me to say: 'It'll give you safety and reassurance and make life a little easier.'
